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Food review information in many languages

14 July 2005

Brochures outlining details of the second phase of the government’s far-reaching review of the domestic food sector are now available in several languages.

Translations are available in Chinese, Cook Islands Maori, Gujarati, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Maori, Niuean, Punjabi, Samoan and Tongan.

The government-led review – the first of its kind for more than 30 years – covers all food produced and sold in New Zealand, including food sold in supermarkets, dairies, cafes and restaurants, and imported food for sale.

Public input is invited on Domestic Food Review concept Paper 6 (Compliance and sanctions: Criteria and tools for the future), and Paper 7 (Criteria and processes for various approvals).

Workshops are to be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Thames, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill to answer queries, clarify concepts and approaches and provide a forum for open discussion of issues. Submissions on these two papers will close on 30 August 2005.

The first five concept papers were released for public consultation in the latter part of 2004. Submissions on those closed in February. These are now being analysed and their impact on proposals are being considered.

Carole Inkster, New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s Director (Policy) says: “NZFSA welcomes comments and thoughts from the public on either or both of these papers. Later in the year, after this submission process has concluded, NZFSA is planning to bring the package together in a document that will present the preferred way forward, taking account of comments received.”

For those involved in any kind of food production, preparation, handling or delivery, then it could be critical to have a say.

The review is intended to establish a food regulatory programme that will apply across the board to both the biggest and the smallest of food activity in New Zealand. NZFSA’s key objective is to provide a coherent, consistent and seamless programme that will reduce incidences of foodborne illness in New Zealand.

Carole Inkster explains: “NZFSA is looking for a system that allows food businesses to have the option of running one comprehensive programme that meets all relevant food safety requirements, thus making it easier for businesses to comply with the law.”

Translated brochures and all the concept papers are available on the NZFSA website at: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/policy-law/projects/domestic-food-review/index.htm

Hard copies of each language brochure and the concept papers are available by contacting NZFSA on
0800 NZFSA1 (0800 693 721). Email: info@nzfsa.govt.nz.

Submissions can be sent to:
Domestic food Review Policy Group
New Zealand food Safety Authority
PO Box 2835
Wellington.
Email: dfrsubmission@nzfsa.govt.nz
Fax: 04 463 2501

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For further comment, contact: Carole Inkster, NZFSA Director of Policy.
Tel: 04 463 2505 or 021 241 2455.
For further information contact: Gary Bowering, Communications Manager.
Tel: 04-463 2531 or 027 44 32 550